Lot 114
Grant, Ulysses S (1822-1885) 18th President of the United States (1869-1877); Commanding General of the victorious Union Army during the American Civil War. Document signed ("U.S. Grant"), 1 page, 10½ x 8¼ in., on a bifolium wove paper, accomplished in a clerical hand, Washington, September 4, 1869. Being a Presidential order to Secretary of State Hamilton Fish to affix the Seal of the United States to empower Stephen A. Hurlbut (then serving as U.S. Minister to Columbia) "…to conclude and sign with the government of Columbia a Convention on the subject of a ship canal between the Atlantic & Pacific oceans."
One of the earliest presidential documents concerned with establishing a trans-oceanic path between the seas.
Grant recognized the importance of a navigable canal as a young lieutenant after a horrendous journey to California in 1852. During the journey one in three of his regiment died due to disease and the treacherous trip. Grant never forgot the horrors of that journey. President Grant's foresight was truly a prelude to the creation of the Panama Canal.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000.
Philip D. and Elsie O. Sang Collection.
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| Realized $2,400 |
